Buying a home can seem like a huge undertaking. You don’t need to be a first time home buyer to find the process overwhelming. There is so much information available, how can you tell what’s true and what’s a myth?

Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for you and your family goals.

Top Home Buying Myths – And the Truth

The First Step is finding the Right House – Before you head out shopping, speak with a lender to understand your financial options and how much house you can afford.

You Can’t Buy a Home Without Perfect Credit – The truth is there are many loans available which still offer good interest rates for those without that perfect score.

You Need 20% Down Payment – First time home buyers can use FHA financing for as low as 3.5% down. There are other programs too, such as VA and some conventional loans with less than 20% down also.

You Don’t Need an Agent – An agent not only knows the market and can help you with value, but also customary charges, negotiations and solutions to common hiccups.

Schools Don’t Matter if you don’t have Kids – The neighborhood school is always important to home values, regardless of whether you yourself have children.

New Homes Don’t Need a Home Inspection – Every home should have a home inspection by a licensed inspector to check for existing or potential problems.

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’re likely to make in your lifetime. Take the time you need to understand the process and learn from the professionals; don’t assume that everything you read is true.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Charlotte this spring, make sure you work with a qualified real estate professional. There’s a reason 9 out of 10 buyers partner with an agent or broker to find and purchase their dream home and I’d love to help you find yours.